Fionn Bheinn

Fionn Bheinn (933 m at the summit trig point) overlooks Achnasheen in the Scottish Highlands, with big views out to the Torridon Hills and the Fannichs. It's often dismissed as unexciting because of the tedious approach walk, but its unusually grassy slopes and summit make it a viable paraglider objective — the long approach fades on the glide back toward Glen Carron. Pilots not interested in visiting the trig point can instead walk part-way up and launch from Creagan nan Laogh, the high point of the ridge west of the summit, where launch options are plentiful. Landing is convenient just on the east side of Achnasheen on what's left of the old road, or anywhere in the area with care for livestock and the boggy ground.

Launch & conditions

From the parking spot cross the main road to a track by the roundabout where the A832 meets the A890. Turn right at a signpost to the hill path, follow it across the Allt Achadh na Sine, then follow the stream uphill before branching more directly toward Creagan nan Laogh — plenty of launch options here looking back toward Achnasheen. For the summit, continue north and descend briefly before ascending to the trig point. Grassy terrain throughout, unusually forgiving for a highland site.

Getting there & local rules

From the A835 Tore-to-Ullapool road, turn left onto the A832 just after Garve. Entering Achnasheen, turn left to reach a parking area in the centre of the village beside the small village pond.

Local rules & hazards

All of Glen Carron, including Fionn Bheinn, is in the Highland Restricted Area — midweek flying is subject to strict airspace restrictions. Achnasheen sits mid-Scotland between the east and west coasts so conditions are hard to predict; sea breezes can push in from either coast. Watch for boggy ground on landing and for the power cables running alongside the main road.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Fionn Bheinn, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Fionn Bheinn with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.